21 July 2014

Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Mike Holmes) has withdrawn from Team England’s CWG team for Glasgow under medical advice with a foot injury.

The 21 year old was set to take part in the heptathlon at the Games starting next week, but has been advised against participation by the medical support team.

The world number one said:  “I’m absolutely devastated that I’m not going to be able to compete at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I was so looking forward to competing in another home games and this time as one of the favourites.

“The Commonwealths was a key target for me this year and I was feeling so good in my preparation up until this week so this is a real blow. My season so far with a World Indoor medal in the long jump, winning at Gotzis and becoming World number one in heptathlon had really given me the confidence going in to the Games that I could post a big score and hopefully come away with that Gold medal – but sadly it’s just not meant to be.

“All the advice is telling me that I risk long term damage if I compete in a heptathlon in just over a week’s time and I have to take that advice for the sake of my career. I really hope to be able to compete in the long jump at the European Championships next month but it doesn’t take away how gutted I am that I won’t be at the Commonwealths – particularly after all the amazing support I have already received and I know the crowds would have been fantastic after the reception I got in Glasgow at the Diamond League last week. Thanks again to everyone for their ongoing support.”

Jan Paterson Team England Chef de Mission said: “We are so disappointed for Katarina, to be in such incredible form coming into a major event and then to suffer an injury is a massive blow.

“Everyone in the team sends her our very best wishes for a speedy recovery and we hope to see her back on the track as quickly as possible and with no long term damage.”

Neil Black – Performance Director for British Athletics said:

“Obviously we’re really disappointed for Katarina as the Commonwealth Games was a big target for her this year, but the key thing is ensuring we don’t risk her long term career.

“We’re hopeful that with treatment and careful management she will still be in a position to compete in the long jump at the European Championships in Zurich  next month, but a heptathlon starting next week could result in long term damage.

“I know she is personally devastated as this was her main aim this season and was determined to take her place on the start line so as not to let the Glasgow 2014 spectators down. However Katarina and her coach Mike (Holmes) are incredibly experienced as an athlete-coach pairing and realise that it is not worth risking a long term injury.”